Bills put an end to Gailey era

Associated Press

Associated Press

Published 8:04 am, Tuesday, January 1, 2013

FILE - In this Dec. 30, 2012 file photo, Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey walks off the field after his team's 28-9 win over the New York Jets in an NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y. Gailey has been fired by the Buffalo Bills after three losing seasons, the team announced Monday, Dec. 31, 2012. (AP Photo/Gary Wiepert, File)

ORCHARD PARK — Chan Gailey didn't work out after three losing seasons, leaving the Buffalo Bills looking for their fifth head coach since 2001.

The Bills fired Gailey on Monday after he failed to deliver on his vow to transform a losing franchise into a playoff contender. Gailey's entire staff was fired, too, but the status of general manager Buddy Nix remained uncertain.

Gailey's teams lost twice as many games as they won, going 16-32 over three seasons. The Bills have now posted eight straight losing seasons, and closed with a second straight 6-10 mark after beating the New York Jets 28-9 on Sunday.

"I understand this is a business," said Gailey, who had at least one year left on his contract. "We didn't get the job done."

Gailey spoke for a little over a minute. He declined to take questions, while growing emotional at one point. Among the assistants fired were assistant head coach and defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt.

"I've been called two other times to get things turned around, was able to do it," Gailey said, referring to previous stops with Dallas (1998-99) and Georgia Tech (2002-07). "We weren't able to get this one done soon enough, and I understand that completely."

It was a disappointing finish for a team that had higher aspirations.

What's next remains unclear. Nix was at the team's facility Monday, but neither he nor the team provided any indication as to whether he'll be retained.

Gailey's dismissal is a significant setback for Nix. The general manager announced in November that Gailey wasn't going anywhere.